For the second straight year, I was drafted by editor bosses to cover the NFL Draft from the Broncos’ Dove Valley headquarters for denverpost.com. Writing 18 stories as quickly as possible made for a hectic weekend, but I enjoyed it.

For one thing, I always get a lot of laughs reading player evaluations in those pre-draft publications. After seeing those, it’s a wonder anybody gets picked.

Here’s part of what one draft guide said about a running back:

“Does not consistently wrap up the ball with both hands, allowing tacklers to grab his arms and strip it away. … Lacks experience as a lead blocker … struggles to consistently keep pass rusher from the quarterback (so) must improve technique. … Lacks the speed to ‘wow’ people.”

His name: Rashard Mendenhall of Illinois, selected in the first round (No. 23) by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Obviously, draft guides also had a lot of nice things to say about Mendenhall.

When evaluating later-round prospects, the analyses become even more critical. Here’s what a draft guide said about the “weaknesses” of Denver’s sixth-round pick, middle linebacker Spencer Larsen of Arizona:

“Lacks the speed, explosiveness and agility to consistently make plays in the open field or in pass coverage. Shows limited range, and struggles to make plays outside the offensive tackles.”

It’s a good thing NFL teams do their own scouting.

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I stopped counting the mistakes I heard NFL analysts on radio and TV who, for one weekend each year, try to sound like experts on the college game.

Can’t remember who it was, but somebody said former Texas running back Jamaal Charles lacks elite speed. Excuse me? And as a college freshman, Charles placed fifth in the 100 meters (10.27) at the NCAA Track and Field Championships.

The exception was Virginia Tech receiver-returner Eddie Royal, who went in the second round.

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Now I know why I don’t remember Broncos seventh-round pick Josh Barrett doing much in Arizona State’s 33-14 victory over Colorado last September in Tempe. The 6-foot-1, 223-pound Sun Devils safety was credited with just one tackle, and no solos.

But I recall being really impressed with ASU tailback Ryan Torain, a 222-pounder and fifth-round Broncos pick who rushed 17 times for 91 yards and a touchdown against the Buffs. Torain is from Big 12 country (Shawnee Mission, Kan.) and attended Butler Community College in his home state before playing two years with the Sun Devils, though his senior season ended after six games due to a toe injury.

Surprising was UTEP (13), New Mexico (10) and UNLV (10) having more players selected in the past nine drafts than three Big 12 teams. Not surprising is Colorado State also faring well with 10 draftees during this decade.

Among conferences, the Big 12 ranks fifth in both total players drafted and first rounders. As expected, the SEC leads both categories, followed in order in both by the ACC, Big Ten and Pac-10.

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Trivia answer: Those high-profile quarterbacks were drafted at least two rounds behind former San Diego State QB Kevin O’Connell, a third-round selection.

The bad news for O’Connell was being taken by New England. Don’t expect him to challenge for the starting job anytime soon.